ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Continuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

3M

Continuous Improvement Leader (CI)

Knoxville, IA · On-site

$164K - $201K/yr

Continuous Improvement Leader Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World Choosing where to ... Use CI Dashboard to manage, maintain and communicate CI impact/performance to leadership at all ...

Archer Daniels Midland

The Continuous Improvement Leader is charged with leading diverse teams to identify and solve ... Lead and manage CI projects from concept to completion, ensuring alignment with business goals and ...

Archer Daniels Midland

$68K - $87K/yr

... continuous improvement. The MPI Practitioner will need to be able to quickly assess a maintenance organization and work management processes to determine gaps and the actions needed to close those ...

previous page

Showing results 41-60

All JobsContinuous Improvement JobsContinuous Improvement Manager JobsContinuous Improvement Manager Jobs in Iowa

Continuous Improvement Manager information

See Iowa salary details

$40.4K

$104.9K

$141.4K

How much do continuous improvement manager jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for continuous improvement manager in Iowa is $104,874.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $88,800.00 and $119,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a continuous improvement manager do?

A continuous improvement manager seeks solutions for process improvement to optimize the performance of systems. Some positions are finite, following a Learn-Do-Teach model whereby the business implements the master plan after training the staff. In this type of positions, you often work within a defined schedule and budget, using a host of CI tools. Other positions are permanent, with improvements focused on coordination of programs for ongoing employee improvement. Both of these scenarios focus on long-term benefits. The only difference is your role in said benefits. As a continuous improvement manager, you also provide documentation and implement a tracking system to ensure it continues to operate efficiently.

What does a continuous improvement manager do?

A Continuous Improvement Manager is responsible for identifying, developing, and implementing strategies to enhance business processes and boost efficiency within an organization. They use methodologies such as Lean, Six Sigma, or Kaizen to analyze current workflows, eliminate waste, and promote a culture of ongoing improvement. By collaborating with various teams, they ensure that improvements are sustainable and aligned with the company's goals. Their work often results in cost savings, higher productivity, and improved quality.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a continuous improvement manager?

To thrive as a Continuous Improvement Manager, you need expertise in process analysis, project management, and Lean or Six Sigma methodologies, usually supported by a relevant degree and industry certifications. Familiarity with process mapping software, data analysis tools, and ERP systems is commonly required. Strong leadership, problem-solving skills, and the ability to communicate change effectively are essential soft skills. These capabilities are crucial for driving operational efficiency, fostering a culture of improvement, and ensuring sustainable business results.

What is the difference between Continuous Improvement Manager vs Process Improvement Specialist?

AspectContinuous Improvement ManagerProcess Improvement Specialist
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor's degree in engineering, business, or related field; certifications like Lean, Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt are commonSimilar credentials; often holds Lean or Six Sigma certifications, with a focus on process analysis
Work EnvironmentLeads teams, manages projects, and implements strategic improvements across departmentsAnalyzes processes, recommends improvements, and supports implementation at a team or departmental level
Industry UsageUsed across manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries for strategic process enhancementsCommonly found in manufacturing and corporate settings focusing on specific process optimization

While both roles focus on process improvements, the Continuous Improvement Manager oversees broader strategic initiatives and manages teams, whereas the Process Improvement Specialist concentrates on analyzing and optimizing specific processes within an organization.

How much do continuous improvement managers make in the US?

Continuous Improvement Managers in the US typically earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, depending on experience, industry, and location. Salaries can increase with certifications like Lean or Six Sigma and experience in process optimization and project management.

Is a continuous improvement manager a good career?

A continuous improvement manager is a valuable role focused on optimizing processes and increasing efficiency within organizations. It often requires skills in data analysis, project management, and knowledge of methodologies like Lean or Six Sigma, making it a stable and growing career path in various industries.
More about Continuous Improvement Manager jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Continuous Improvement jobs in Iowa are:

What are popular job titles related to Continuous Improvement Manager jobs in Iowa?

For Continuous Improvement Manager jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Continuous Improvement Manager jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Continuous Improvement Manager jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Continuous Improvement Manager jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Continuous Improvement Manager job openings:

Continuous Improvement Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Continuous Improvement Manager job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 87% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,874 per year, or $50.4 per hour.

Continuous Improvement Leader (CI)

3M

Knoxville, IA • On-site

$164K - $201K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 11 days ago

3M rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 249 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

169th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

Job Description:
Continuous Improvement Leader
Collaborate with Innovative 3Mers Around the World
Choosing where to start and grow your career has a major impact on your professional and personal life, so it's equally important you know that the company that you choose to work at, and its leaders, will support and guide you. With a wide variety of people, global locations, technologies and products, 3M is a place where you can collaborate with other curious, creative 3Mers.
This position provides an opportunity to transition from other private, public, government or military experience to a 3M career.
The Impact You'll Make in this Role
As a Continuous Improvement Leader, you will have the opportunity to tap into your curiosity and collaborate with some of the most innovative people around the world. Here, you will make an impact by:
  • Works with site leadership team to set short-term strategic direction and operating plans for assigned area of responsibility and defines guidelines/methods.
  • Responsible for development site CI strategy for Continuous improvement. Will have direct responsibility and work with site leader for strategic planning and establishing improvement objectives.
  • Complex problem solving requiring in-depth interpretation, analysis and improvement approaches. Improvement expertise/experience should encompass production, materials, transactional, warehouse, supply chain, Materials Resource Planning (MRP), Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Portfolio and/or information flows. Ability to link process, execution and master data failure modes with projects to drive operational improvements that drive financial performance.
  • Responsible for site/organization level goals, objectives, strategy and performance.
  • Driving 'financial improvement across the site/organization
  • Collaborates with front- line employees, support teams, department/function, supervisors/managers and operations leaders to determine goals, direction, and approaches for improvement.
  • Responsible for working with site/ organization leadership team to determine approach and strategy for achieving operational and financial objectives.
  • Teaching, mentoring and developing others (e.g. peers, supervisors, managers) in their ability to establish Continuous
  • Improvement as a primary mechanism to improving financial and operational performance in their work centers, departments or areas.
  • Use CI Dashboard to manage, maintain and communicate CI impact/performance to leadership at all levels.

Your Skills and Expertise
To set you up for success in this role from day one, 3M requires (at a minimum) the following qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree or higher (completed and verified prior to start)
  • Five (5) years of experience in plant and/or operations leadership in a private, public, government or military environment
  • Three (3) years of experience in developing and leading kaizen events in a private, public, government or military environment

Additional qualifications that could help you succeed even further in this role include:
  • Strong communication skills across all levels of the organization
  • Ability to develop and execute strategic plans
  • Ten (ten) years of experience in plant operations, engineering, and/or maintenance functions
  • Strength in leading and managing culture change
  • Advanced data analysis and Microsoft Excel skills
  • Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt experience or certification
  • Coaching and teaching skills.
  • Lean Manufacturing experience.
  • Demonstrated results using continuous improvement methodologies.

Work location: On-site Knoxville, Iowa
Travel: May include up to 10% domestic travel
Relocation Assistance: May be authorized
Must be legally authorized to work in country of employment without sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H1B status).
Supporting Your Well-being
3M offers many programs to help you live your best life - both physically and financially. To ensure competitive pay and benefits, 3M regularly benchmarks with other companies that are comparable in size and scope.
Chat with Max
For assistance with searching through our current job openings or for more information about all things 3M, visit Max, our virtual recruiting
Applicable to US Applicants Only:The expected compensation range for this position is $164,612 - $201,193, which includes base pay plus variable incentive pay, if eligible. This range represents a good faith estimate for this position. The specific compensation offered to a candidate may vary based on factors including, but not limited to, the candidate's relevant knowledge, training, skills, work location, and/or experience. In addition, this position may be eligible for a range of benefits (e.g., Medical, Dental & Vision, Health Savings Accounts, Health Care & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Disability Benefits, Life Insurance, Voluntary Benefits, Paid Absences and Retirement Benefits, etc.). Additional information is available at: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/.
Good Faith Posting Date Range 07/24/2026 To 08/23/2026 Or until filled
All US-based 3M full time employees will need to sign an employee agreement as a condition of employment with 3M. This agreement lays out key terms on using 3M Confidential Information and Trade Secrets. It also has provisions discussing conflicts of interest and how inventions are assigned. Employees that are Job Grade 7 or equivalent and above may also have obligations to not compete against 3M or solicit its employees or customers, both during their employment, and for a period after they leave 3M.
Learn more about 3M's creative solutions to the world's problems at www.3M.com or on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @3M.
Responsibilities of this position include that corporate policies, procedures and security standards are complied with while performing assigned duties.
Safety is a core value at 3M. All employees are expected to contribute to a strong Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) culture by following safety policies, identifying hazards, and engaging in continuous improvement.
Pay & Benefits Overview: https://www.3m.com/3M/en_US/careers-us/working-at-3m/benefits/
3M does not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Please note: your application may not be considered if you do not provide your education and work history, either by: 1) uploading a resume, or 2) entering the information into the application fields directly.
3M Global Terms of Use and Privacy Statement
Carefully read these Terms of Use before using this website. Your access to and use of this website and application for a job at 3M are conditioned on your acceptance and compliance with these terms.
Please click on the following links and select the country where you are applying for employment to review the applicable Terms of Use (link here) and Privacy Policy (link here). Before submitting your application, you will be asked to confirm your agreement with the terms.

What 3M employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply